Search results for "Underutilized" in Home Design Ideas

These wooden shelves were custom made to fit the wall and the window. The shelves are adjustable and the window seat can also be used to display. This became the focal point of the room and utilized space that was otherwise underutilized.

Living Room in Old Paint Drive | Room Type:
Entry / Game Room |
Project Name:
Old Paint Trail |
Key Feature:
A redesigned front entry game room that serves as a welcoming focal point immediately visible when entering the home.
Challenge:
The home featured beautiful desert views but felt dark and underutilized. The front space also needed a clear purpose while making a strong first impression since it is the first area seen upon entering the home.
Solution:
The space was lightened up and transformed into a functional game room that feels both visually inviting and practical for the family. The redesign created a beautiful focal area that enhances the home’s entry experience.
Timeline:
Completed in 2018

Welcome to our ADU - Garage Conversion showcase, where we transform underutilized garage spaces into stylish and functional living quarters.
Unlock the hidden potential of your property by converting your garage into a versatile ADU that adds value and versatility to your home. Our expert team specializes in creating custom living spaces tailored to your unique needs and lifestyle.
Explore our gallery to see how we integrate modern design features and amenities into existing garage structures. From cozy studio apartments to spacious one-bedroom units, our ADU conversions maximize every square foot to provide comfortable and efficient living spaces.
Discover innovative solutions for maximizing storage, optimizing natural light, and enhancing privacy without compromising style whether you're looking to create a guest suite, home office, rental unit, or multi-generational living space, our ADU - Garage Conversion showcase offers inspiration and ideas to bring your vision to life.
Join us on a transformation journey as we reimagine garage spaces into beautiful, functional ADUs that elevate your home and lifestyle. Let us help you unlock your property's full potential with our expert ADU conversion services.
Start exploring our ADU - Garage Conversion showcase today and envision the possibilities for your home!
Find the right local pro for your project

This project entailed updating a finished basement and boys' playroom that was underutilized and contained many design obstacles from lolly columns to mechanical equipment. The client wanted the space to blend with the eclectic old style of the rest of her home, and also wanted to incorporate a couple of existing custom millwork pieces. With three boys, all with varying interests from art to toy collections, the client needed this space to cater to their hobbies. Ultimately the clients received exactly what they wanted- a multifunctional space that all could enjoy that can only be defined as breathtaking.
Photography: Maryland Photography Inc.

Complete your home by investing in a garage storage design that finally finishes off your much used but under-utilized garage / storage area.
Seen here in Slate Powder Coat, this design will sure to be the envy of even the most discerning neighbors. Wall-to-wall tall cabinetry coupled with a perfectly proportioned work space make for a clean and efficient design. The integrated
"Wire-Wall" shelving system provides additional storage and keeps all the tools you use the most right at your fingertips.
A variety of counter and finish options are available and include stainless steel counters and fully encapsulated powder coated door & drawer face options with a smooth but rugged surface.
Call Today to schedule your free in home consultation, and be sure to ask about our monthly promotions.
Tailored Living® & Premier Garage® Grand Strand / Mount Pleasant
OFFICE: 843-957-3309
EMAIL: jsnash@tailoredliving.com
WEB: tailoredliving.com/myrtlebeach

This full first-floor renovation transformed a family home in Northwest Indiana, originally built in the early 2000s, into a personalized, highly functional space that better reflects the lifestyle and taste of its four residents. The remodel included the kitchen, living room, a reimagined dining room turned sitting room, office, mudroom, and laundry room.
The clients’ main objective was to move beyond dated, builder-grade finishes and create a home that felt curated, warm, and distinctive—infused with layered textures, custom details, and a sense of ease. The living room posed the biggest design challenge, with awkward furniture placement due to two structural columns. We used these features to anchor a revised layout, integrating custom built-ins for storage and balance, and adding mixed metals and refined textures for visual depth.
A former dining room was transformed into a moody sitting room—contrasting the neutral palette used throughout the rest of the main floor, while still complementing it. The mudroom was reworked from a tight, underutilized space into a practical, polished drop zone with custom cabinetry and stylish utility.
Throughout the renovation, our team focused on improving flow, enhancing functionality, and blending each room’s unique character into a cohesive, elevated whole—resulting in a home that’s as livable as it is beautifully tailored.

Two phases completed in 2020 & 2021 included kitchen and primary bath remodels. Bright, light, fresh and simple describe these beautiful spaces fit just for our clients.
The primary bath was a fun project to complete. A few must haves for this space were a place to incorporate the Peloton, more functional storage and a welcoming showering/bathing area.
The space was primarily left in the same configuration, but we were able to make it much more welcoming and efficient. The walk in shower has a small bench for storing large bottles and works as a perch for shaving legs. The entrance is doorless and allows for a nice open experience + the pebbled shower floor. The freestanding tub took the place of a huge built in tub deck creating a prefect space for Peleton next to the vanity. The vanity was freshened up with equal spacing for the dual sinks, a custom corner cabinet to house supplies and a charging station for sonicares and shaver. Lastly, the corner by the closet door was underutilized and we placed a storage chest w/ quartz countertop there.
The overall space included freshening up the paint/millwork in the primary bedroom.
Serving communities in: Clyde Hill, Medina, Beaux Arts, Juanita, Woodinville, Redmond, Kirkland, Bellevue, Sammamish, Issaquah, Mercer Island, Mill Creek

One of the best things a designer can do for a client is to take an under-utilized area and make it part of the garden, either by making it functional or even into a focal point. By using the sightlines from the house to place focal points and to set a soothing scene to enjoy from indoors the new design will take on a personality that will invite the client into the outdoors.

Situated along Manhattan’s prestigious “Gold Coast,” the building at 17 East 12th Street was developed by Rigby Asset Management, a New York-based real estate investment and development firm that specializes in rehabilitating underutilized commercial properties into high-end residential buildings. For the building’s model apartment, Rigby enlisted Nicole Fuller Interiors to create a bold and luxurious environment that complemented the grand vision of project architect, Bromley Caldari. Fuller specified products from her not-so-little black book of design resources to stage the space with museum-quality artworks, precious antiques, statement light fixtures, and contemporary furnishings, rugs, and window treatments.

In this beautiful Chevy Chase kitchen renovation, the clients desired a kitchen that was both functional and stylish to make the heart of their home ideal for cooking and entertaining. A key highlight of the remodel was the creation of a stylish wet bar in an underutilized space, where they can enjoy their morning coffee or glass of wine when entertaining. In the kitchen, the choice of dark gray lower cabinets and white cabinets create a sophisticated contrast, while an elegant range and hood elevates the kitchen’s overall aesthetic. Geometrical backsplash, a well-designed island, and contemporary lighting adds texture, making this Chevy Chase kitchen renovation distinctly modern. Addressing the client’s wishes, our designers re-imagined the entry hall and built a pantry and coat closet, fulfilling both practical needs and design aspirations in this now captivating kitchen.

KITCHEN AFTER
The homeowner's primary goal was to be able to host large dinner parties easily and efficiently. However, it was important that the space not feel like a commercial kitchen (even though it has three dishwashers!) in order to blend with the Mid-century Modern style of the home. We incorporated an underutilized adjacent area in order to increase the size of the kitchen by 150% to create designated space for everything, including the client's vast collection of china and serving pieces. The new floor plan feels as though it was original to the house. Cabinetry, countertops, and flooring also blend seamlessly with the rest of the home. Accents, such as the backsplash and island light fixture, add feminine elements and a touch of glamour.
Photo credit: Mitch Allen

We reshaped this space by taking a small central kitchen space and turning that into an office and moving the kitchen to an old sitting room. That involved closing up an underutilized fireplace but the result far outweighed the loss for the client.

This basement renovation in Foxcroft was designed in partnership with Habitude Interiors to create a comfortable and highly functional extension of the home. The goal of the project was to transform the lower level into a warm, inviting living space that blends seamlessly with the rest of the house while adding practical everyday functionality.
The renovation included a custom bathroom, home bar, living room, bedroom, dining space, mudroom, updated staircase, and a thoughtfully designed under-stair built-in nook. Each area was carefully planned to maximize storage, improve flow, and create a cohesive design aesthetic throughout the basement.
By combining timeless finishes, custom millwork, and layered textures, this once underutilized basement was transformed into a beautifully finished living environment perfect for relaxing, entertaining, and hosting guests.

This home had a wood, contemporary kitchen, and a wall separating it from an under-utilized space. For the new Blanco contemporary kitchen, the wall was removed to open up the space and more cabinetry was added, along with updated high-end appliances and quartz countertops.

Kitchen in Alyssa Lane | Key Feature: A complete kitchen + living room transformation designed for a young, growing family who loved their home, but needed it to work harder and reflect their personality. The updated kitchen became the heart of the home, featuring a hidden smoothie station to keep daily essentials out of sight, plus a dedicated cocktail bar setup for entertaining. In the living room, the fireplace wall was fully reimagined by centering the previously cornered fireplace and creating a multifunctional media wall with custom furnishings and a statement chandelier. To top it off, the former formal dining room was transformed into a bar lounge with custom brass shelving, a black grasscloth backdrop, and a bold, elevated vibe perfect for hosting friends and family.
Challenge: This home belonged to a young couple with two small kids and a growing business, and while they loved the house itself, the spaces didn’t support the way they actually lived. The kitchen lacked function and storage, everyday routines (like smoothie-making) created visual clutter, and cocktail entertaining essentials were being shoved into the pantry with no dedicated space. The living room also felt awkward and unfinished due to the cornered fireplace, which made it difficult to create a centered, functional media wall. On top of that, the formal dining room wasn’t being used, leaving valuable square footage underutilized and disconnected from their lifestyle and personality.
Solution: We redesigned the home around how the family truly uses it day-to-day, focusing on function, personality, and elevated livability. In the kitchen, we created a modern, highly organized layout complete with a hidden smoothie station so daily supplies stay accessible but out of sight. For entertaining, we designed a dedicated bar area for Ryan, giving him a more inspired space to make cocktails without relying on pantry storage. In the living room, we centered the fireplace and fully revamped the feature wall into a multifunctional entertainment/media wall, then layered in custom furniture pieces and a statement chandelier to bring warmth and style. Finally, we converted the unused formal dining room into a bar lounge with custom brass shelving, a striking black grasscloth wall, and a sophisticated hangout space perfect for entertaining family and friends.
Budget: $100k-$150k |
Timeline: 4 months

Located in Wauwatosa, the project was completed for clients who needed a larger and more modern kitchen and dining area to better serve their growing family. Along the way, it became apparent a more modern first-floor laundry facility would also be important to enhance family functionality.
The existing house contained a large outdoor patio area that our clients rarely used, so it created an opportunity to reallocate space that was under-utilized. Our design/build team added square footage to the home’s footprint where the existing outdoor patio area was located.
Also central to the customers’ goals was an open concept kitchen, large central island for informal eating and gathering, separate dry bar, and a dining area that could also be a space to entertain larger family and friend gatherings. This space was to capture the views of the wooded river landscape. Matching the existing architectural style was important as well.
Our team accomplished our customers’ goals by adding a large 480-square-foot addition that was to become the new dining area and laundry room facility. The kitchen’s existing footprint and dining area was completely gutted and became the new open concept kitchen with a large central island and dry bar.
The new spaces were tastefully blended to the existing architecture with high-end finishes. Features include custom cabinetry, heated tile flooring, quartz countertops, and tile backsplashes. The large windows and placement of the dining room addition allowed us to capture the great views offered by the lot and enhance the connection to the outdoors from inside the house.

Inspired by the ambiance of a whiskey speakeasy, this Lenexa, Kansas basement remodel was designed for homeowners who love to entertain. The finished basement features a color-drenched bar with deep blue cabinetry and matching tile, panel-ready refrigeration, a dishwasher drawer, and floating shelves with integrated LED lighting to display a curated whiskey collection.
To enhance entertaining, a new door was added to connect the basement directly to the screened-in porch, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow for gatherings. Thoughtfully planned gathering spaces allow guests to move comfortably between the bar, lounge, and outdoor areas. Designed shortly after the homeowners moved into the property, this basement renovation transformed an underutilized lower level into a welcoming destination for hosting friends and family.

This classic Portland bungalow in the highly desirable Irvington neighborhood was in desperate need of a kitchen update. Aside from tired finishes and cabinets that have seen a full life, the original layout left the family living in a small portion of the kitchen and not taking advantage of the full square footage.
The family desired a design that married both the original architectural details of their bungalow with their preference for clean and modern European design. To accomplish this request, APD brought in sleek flat panel custom frameless cabinets filled with smart and strategic accessories to make the most out of every cabinet box, including full height pantry pull-out, spice and utensil pull-outs flanking the cooking zone, a blind corner pull-0ut to avoid loosing items in the hard-to-reach space, trash & recycling pull-0ut disguised to blend with the adjacent three drawers, and a wall cabinet pull-out sized to fit under the support beam spanning the width of the room. For the traditional - we kept the classic moldings around the windows and doors, continued the homes hardwood floors into the new space, incorporated classic school house light fixtures, and swapped out the slider to the back patio in favor for one with divided lights adding to the architectural detail. Matte black granite countertops with handmade black ceramic tile backsplash bridge the gap between the modern and the traditional thanks to their clean lines, high contrast color palette, and textural and artistic details.
Opting for a few adjustments to the layout created a space plan that took advantage of the full square footage of the room! In the original layout, the refrigerator was squeezed onto the same wall as the cooking, leaving very little counterspace around the hard working cooking zone along with a significant portion of the room (a previous addition) under-utilized. Relocating the refrigerator increased counterspace and storage while creating a “flow” through the entire room.
Luxury Miele and Subzero appliances make this kitchen a chef’s dream! To add to the clean modern look, we opted for an induction cooktop with wall oven directly below … a great alternative to the often used range! Paneling the built-in refrigerator and dishwasher help to calm the overall visual noise of the space, hiding the two hardworking appliances away!
This new family kitchen is at once hardworking, sleek, and timeless!

The MOSS design team sat down with the homeowners and went through every single option. With COVID and the distance from the job site to the MOSS office, most sessions were virtual and set to align with the clients’ work schedules. The homeowners felt all of their ideas were brought to life and the design team added interesting pieces and ideas they really liked.
Early in the design process, they decided a focus wall would be amazing. The client loves shiplap but didn’t want anything that looked too country. Our designer and project manager worked together to create a fireplace wall that combined tile, shiplap and a custom mantel for a result that has become one of the most gorgeous parts of the remodel.
With young, active kids, the clients needed a space that could serve as a dump zone for backpacks and sports gear. Combining an underutilized carport shed and a low-functioning pantry resulted in a beautiful, very useful mudroom.
The homeowners expressed that one of the most exciting parts of the process was working with the designers and coming up with new ideas. For example, there was an odd area on one side of the kitchen and our designer suggested making it a double-door pantry. The client’s jaw dropped because she never envisioned having enough storage space to conceal all of her appliances and backstock. She said “It is one of those surprises that came through the design process that we were not expecting and is now one of our favorite parts of the kitchen. We wanted out-of-the-box thinking and that’s what we got.”

This home sits comfortably next to a creek on the north end of Chico. What started as a simple kitchen remodel turned into a complete home makeover! By capturing under-utilized space in the existing garage, we were able to double the size of the original kitchen! Raising the sunken living area helped round out the expansive great room, and also provides a much safer home for the grandchildren.
Photos by: Lindsey King Photography
50